Blatter considers axing national anthems before matches

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated that national anthems could be scrapped before international games in an effort to reduce crowd trouble.

In an interview with Switzerland's Schweizer Illustrierte magazine, Blatter also said neutral venues might be better suited for high-profile play-off matches.

Blatter's comments follow last Wednesday's World Cup play-off in Istanbul between Turkey and Switzerland which began with Turkish fans whistling over the Swiss national anthem and ended with a brawl in the players' tunnel.

The Turkish team had earlier complained about Swiss fans whistling over their national anthem during the first leg of the playoff in Bern.

"I consider this whistling to be extremely disrespectful and of course disparaging to national pride," Blatter told the magazine.

"I am asking myself whether it even makes sense to play the national anthems. We will at least consider not playing them.

"We could also insist that the teams shake hands after the match. We cannot have the situation where the winning team is unable to celebrate but must instead sprint off the pitch like thieves."

FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said Blatter's comments were personal suggestions and no formal discussions about national anthems had yet been scheduled.

Herren added that any such proposals would probably not be considered until after FIFA's disciplinary committee delivers its verdict on the events in Istanbul.

Although Blatter said last week the committee would be reporting back before the World Cup draw on December 9, FIFA now says that is unlikely.

"There are a high number of people to be questioned about what happened in Istanbul, something like 30 people in all," Herren said.

"The investigation will probably not be completed by December 9 because it will require a lot of time and resources."

Coca-Cola - fourth major World Cup sponsor

Coca-Cola have signed up as the fourth major sponsor of world soccer's ruling body for the 2007-2014 rights period, FIFA said yesterday.

Coca-Cola joins Adidas, Hyundai and Sony in FIFA's top tier of sponsors.

The drinks company has been an official sponsor of the World Cup since 1978. The World Cup takes place in Germany in 2006 and then in South Africa in 2010.